INTERVIEW
June 27, 2026
Wes Crouse
A statistical genetics scientist working to find new ways to treat disease.
I’m so excited to share my interview with Wes Crouse, a statistical genetics scientist at Vesalius Therapeutics! We talked all about his career, the path that led him to it, and his best advice. Plus, we played a game of This or That, and I learned an absolutely ingenious snack hack.
You are a statistical genetics scientist. Could you describe what you do in a concise, “snack-sized” way?
I analyze genetic differences between people to find new ways to treat disease.
I know you took an unusual path to get to your current career in statistical genetics at Vesalius Therapeutics. Looking back, could you describe your decision to pursue this sort of career?
In college, I knew that I wanted to do something quantitative, but I didn't know exactly what that would be. I decided to major in economics and math to keep as many doors open as possible. After graduating, I took a job doing public health economics research. I enjoyed doing research, but I realized that I was more interested in health than economics. I also became frustrated with the limitations of observational research, and I decided that I wanted to work in an experimental field. When I learned about bioinformatics, it seemed like a great fit. I took a genetics class, found a research project to work on, and decided to apply to graduate school.
What is your absolute favorite part of your job?
I get to work with smart people and learn every day.
What impact do you hope to make through your career? What seems to be the biggest challenge in the way of that?
I want to make a positive impact and contribute to something that improves people's lives. The biggest challenge is that science is hard and progress is often incremental. You can do everything right and still not get the answer you were hoping for, but each study helps us learn something and move the field forward.
What advice would you give to a high schooler who wants to pursue a career in the science and health world?
Identify the things that you do well and the things you find interesting, and think strategically about where those overlap. There are many different roles in science and health, and you will be happiest and make the biggest impact when your skills and interests are aligned.
Let’s play a quick game of “This or That.” No overthinking allowed.
ONE BIG DISCOVERY
or
THOUSAND SMALL
ONES
ZOOM IN
or
ZOOM OUT
ZOOM OUT
FIX WHAT IS BROKE
or
BUILD SOMETHING NEW
SPECIALIST
or
GENERALIST
Before we wrap up, is there one last little nugget you'd love to leave us with?
Take the next best step, even if you don't know exactly where you're headed. What you decide to do tomorrow doesn't have to be what you do 10 years from now.
And of course: what’s your favorite snack or snack hack, and why?
I'm not much of a snacker, but I find it really hard to walk past the charcuterie counter at Wegmans without picking something up. My go-to is speck with a slice of brie on crackers. The hack is eating it all before you have to share.